Abortion 

is the practice of terminating a pregnancy resulting in, or closely

followed by, the death of the human fetus. despite the occurrence of over
thirty-five million abortions, abortion has become a prevalent social issue,
extremely debatable and controversial. For the most part people can be
divided into two basic categories: those in favor of abortion and those
opposed to it. Both groups feel strongly concerning the issue and regularly
debate its morality. These opinions on abortion are so powerful that the
issue is frequently referred to in politics and is often a deciding factor when
votes are being cast for public office. Obviously, these fierce opinions are
influenced by far more than whimsical convictions, which raises the
question: why do people feel so strongly about abortion.
The answer to two key questions determine an individual’s stand on abortion. First, what is life?
Second, when does life begin? Those opposed to abortion, known as pro-life, believe that human
life occurs at conception, the point when a father’s sperm unites with the mother’s egg and a
genetically individual organism is created. Those who are pro-life argue that because at conception
the embryo is not an extension or part of the mother’s body, it is an authentic and equal human
life. A completely unique biological system occurs at conception, the identical system that exists at
death. Based upon genetics, this leads those who are pro-life to believe that human life exists at
any time between these two points. Thus, anti-abortionists believe that humanity does not
depend on size, stage of development or place of residence.

Those who are pro-life also consider the various developments of a human fetus when
determining it’s humanity. For example, at six weeks an unborn child is able to experience pain. An
unborn baby of eight weeks has established it’s own set of specific fingerprints, the exact set that,
if born, the child will carry into adulthood. Furthermore, by three months into a normal pregnancy
all of the unborn infant’s organ systems are intact and working. The fetus sleeps, wakes, tastes,
hears, senses and simply continues to grow until birth (Erhard 2). All of these distinct human traits
cause these people to strongly believe that “behind every ultrasound, amniocentesis and blood
sample test there is the real flesh, blood and bone of a child (Reilly 23).” Finally, infants, still in the
womb can be viewed, monitored, have surgery, and receive blood transfusions (Erhard 2).
Therefore, those opposed to abortion find it illogical that these unborn babies could not be part of
the human family.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, an equivalently vast number of people, also with powerful
convictions, are thoroughly convinced of the morality and necessity of abortion. Abortionists
typically believe that the idea that a baby exists at the moment of conception is entirely a religious
theory, and is preposterous. They readily state that “to believe that one cell is already a full human
being and should be treated as such is so patently absurd that it is almost to difficult to refute
(Reilly 35).” Those in favor of abortion are forced to admit that embryos are at the very least
“potential life”, but they refuse to acknowledge them as fully human until all normal human
structures and functions have been developed and are readily being used (Paul 24). In other words
a fetus is not considered human one week before birth, but is an equal human life after birth.
In defense of abortion, the best interest of the mother and family are frequently observed.
Abortion supporters often ask the question, “Should any woman be forced to continue a
pregnancy or be saddled with bringing up a child for eighteen years without any regard for the
consequences, without any regard for the expressed will or desire of that woman, or of the
couple? (Reilly 36).” The first instance of abortion being used as a family benefit is one of birth
control. Many families may not be able to adequately support additional children or may be
immensely inconvenienced by a new family member and therefore see abortion as a solution.
Thus in the abortionist’s mind, the value of an infant’s life depends upon the desire for a child by
his or her parents. In addition, abortionists inquire, “Is it more important to minimize abortion or
to minimize the birth of children to women who are unprepared to provide the familial structure
needed for children to become stable and responsible adults? (Paul 27).” Believing that it can be
socially dysfunctional to have children out of wedlock, abortionists encourage abortion for single
women who become pregnant. Indeed, a 1991 survey reflected that over fifty percent of
pregnancies involving unmarried women resulted in abortion (Paul 29). Because they recognize
the need for strong two-parent homes, pro-abortion activists proclaim abortion to be a valuable
tool for family planning. However, this argument is refuted by anti-abortionists who say that if
individuals would simply abstain from sexual promiscuity, there would be no instances of out of
wedlock pregnancy and therefore no need for abortion.

In conclusion abortion is a highly contentious matter that should not be taken lightly. Very few
women and families regret carrying out a pregnancy. However, over fifty percent of women have
compunctions concerning their decision to terminate a pregnancy (Harwood 73). Even those who
contend that a fetus is not a person must at the very least admit that a fetus is human life and is a
potential human being. When an abortion occurs, that human life, however small, is eliminated.
This is a biological fact, not a moral judgment. Obviously, there are an astronomical number of
reasons why people feel so strongly about the issue of abortion, most of them valid. These reasons
ranging from specific to general and personal to universal are based on a variety of life
experiences and circumstances. Due to vast differences in the general nature of people, social and
religious backgrounds, moral authorities, views of humanity, economic situations and biological
interpretations, a constant conflict ensues regarding abortion. This conflict is a permanent one and
will endure as long as children are born into the world.